Fall in New Hampshire is really one thing particular. The air turns crisp, the bushes burst into sensible reds and golds, and small cities come alive with harvest festivals and comfy attraction. Whether or not you are chasing peak foliage, searching for scenic drives, or simply wish to sip cider with a view, New Hampshire is without doubt one of the greatest locations on this planet to expertise autumn.
From the attractive white mountains, the scenic drive alongside the Kancamagus, or visiting the charming cities of Sandwich or Conway, you will discover a lot to see and do.
Cozy sweaters, pumpkin-spiced all the things, and naturally beautiful fall foliage!
New England as a complete is understood for its beautiful fall foliage. As a matter of reality, till I took my very own fall highway journey by New England, I truly thought that these vibrant fall colours had been all faux! However let me let you know – they’re utterly actual! No shade enhancement or photoshop wanted.
However New Hampshire particularly has its personal set of fall perks. Whereas leaf peeping is unquestionably the spotlight of fall in New Hampshire, that’s actually not the one factor to do there! You can too take time to attend fall festivals, carve pumpkins, go apple choosing, and a lot extra.
If you wish to expertise all the things fall-related that New Hampshire has to supply, I’ve received you lined. With out additional ado, right here’s my information to one of the best locations for fall in New Hampshire.
When Is the Greatest Time to See the Leaves in New Hampshire?
Yearly, the autumn leaf-changing season adjustments barely. Sometimes, it takes place sooner or later between the center of September and the center of October. That stated, to ensure you see the fiery leaves throughout any given yr, I extremely suggest utilizing a fall foliage prediction map.
What Is the Greatest Time to Go to New Hampshire within the Fall?
If the leaves come between the center of September and the center of October, so must you! In spite of everything, that’s among the best elements of fall in New Hampshire. This time-frame additionally occurs to coincide with lots of the state’s greatest fall festivals.
What Is the Greatest Airport to Fly Into in New Hampshire?
Since all the states in New England are small, you truly don’t must fly straight into New Hampshire. As a matter of reality, if you happen to’re coming from one other a part of the nation, it is likely to be simpler to fly to a bigger airport, like Boston Logan Worldwide Airport or Albany Worldwide Airport.
In case you’d choose to fly into New Hampshire straight, you’ll be able to try the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
Learn extra: Find out how to Plan the Excellent New England Fall Highway Journey
What Ought to I Pack for Fall in New Hampshire?
Layers are your greatest good friend in terms of fall climate. Throughout that point of yr, the climate sometimes adjustments rather a lot over the course of a day. So when it will get just a little too chilly, add one other layer. If it will get too sizzling, take one off.
Another requirements embrace a heat coat, gloves, and even sunscreen! Additionally, if you happen to plan on tackling a number of the hikes I like to recommend later on this article, you’ll desire a pair of climbing boots. These are my favourite climbing boots, and right here’s my full information on what to pack for climbing.
Greatest Locations for Fall in New Hampshire
White Mountain Nationwide Forest
White Mountain Nationwide Forest covers an enormous chunk of New Hampshire (and even just a little little bit of Maine!). This forest is so giant that it truly features a few different spots on this listing – however that doesn’t imply it doesn’t deserve a characteristic of its personal!
This 800,000-acre forest is completely large. It’s stuffed with thriving oaks, maples, and pines – which all absolutely embrace the fiery colours of fall. The surroundings is so beautiful that it truly introduced tears to my eyes!
Probably the most in style methods to expertise autumn in White Mountain Nationwide Forest is by driving on Kancamagus Freeway. This 34.5-mile highway is stuffed with completely breathtaking fall foliage. Be at liberty to drag over and get a more in-depth look!
In case you’d prefer to utterly immerse your self within the reds, oranges, and yellows of fall, I like to recommend occurring one of many many hikes in White Mountain Nationwide Forest. Mount Tecumseh, Mount Moosilauke, and West Rattlesnake Mountain are all improbable choices.
Conway
When testing one of the best locations for fall in New Hampshire, you don’t wish to miss out on Conway. This little city is residence to the Conway Scenic Railway, which is an old style railroad expertise that takes you previous a number of the brightest fall colours and the cutest small cities.
The Conway Scenic Railway presents three completely different railroad tour choices. We opted for the Bartlett-Sawyer Tour, which allowed us to pop into cute retailers, dine at improbable native eating places, and naturally perform a little leaf peeping.
As you’ll be able to think about, that is fairly a well-liked attraction in New Hampshire. To ensure your spot, it’s a good suggestion to guide tickets upfront.
Sandwich
Not removed from Conway is the lovable little city of Sandwich. Along with a enjoyable title, Sandwich boasts a improbable location. Located within the lovely White Mountains and on the beautiful Squam Lake, it’s completely picture-perfect. And when this pure panorama is decked out within the rusty reds, golden yellows, and vibrant oranges of fall, it turns into much more unbelievable.
In case you time it proper, you would possibly be capable to participate within the Sandwich Truthful. This annual competition holds fairly an array of competitions and demonstrations. Whereas there are some fall-inspired actions, like pumpkin carving, there are additionally many extra distinctive ones. Try the skillet tossing, ox pulling, and the pick-up truck pulling competitions.
Albany Coated Bridge
The Albany Coated Bridge is not only lovely. It additionally has fairly a little bit of historic significance.
All of New England, not simply New Hampshire, is stuffed with lined bridges. These bridges served as a manner for extra remoted farmers to enter city on their stagecoaches. As soon as there, these farmers would each purchase the products that they wanted and promote the merchandise that that they had. With out these lined bridges, life can be a lot tougher for these vital farmers!
In fact, with the development of transportation know-how, lined bridges will not be as a lot of a necessity anymore. That stated, they’re nonetheless beautiful to take a look at, particularly after they’re surrounded by the attractive colours of fall! And the Albany Coated Bridge is especially beautiful. You received’t wish to miss out on it!
Walpole
Walpole is one other spot that’s positively among the best locations for fall in New Hampshire. With improbable leaf peeping, cute cafes, and lovable farms, what extra may you ask for?
First, let’s speak in regards to the colourful autumn leaves. Like most of New Hampshire, you’ll be able to merely stroll round Walpole and see a great deal of beautiful fall leaves.
As a matter of reality, you’ll be able to stroll all the best way to one of many city’s cute cafes for a fall drink! In spite of everything, is fall actually full and not using a fall deal with? Strive the recent chocolate from L.A. Burdick Handmade Sweets, the recent maple drink from Moon Canine Café, or the maple latte from Rockingham Roasters. (Simply as a be aware, these final two technically are throughout the border in Vermont, however they’re lower than a 10-minute drive from Walpole, New Hampshire.)
Final however actually not least, there are the wonderful farms. Walpole is understood all through New Hampshire for its many fabulous farms, together with Walpole Valley Farms, Boggy Meadow Farm, and Walpole Mountain View Vineyard. However one of the vital in style ones to go to within the fall is Alyson’s Orchard for some prime apple choosing.
In case you want greater than only a fast day journey to Walpole, you’ll be able to spend the night time! The most effective locations to remain is The Inn at Valley Farms. In spite of everything, when you see how unbelievable the farms in Walpole are, you received’t wish to depart!
Learn extra: Greatest Locations for Fall in Vermont
Jackson
When you cross by the stunning Honeymoon Coated Bridge, you’ll identified you’re in Jackson. It’s truly extra of a well-liked trip vacation spot in the summertime and winter, nevertheless it’s simply as unbelievable within the fall.
Given Jackson’s location within the beautiful White Mountains, climbing is unquestionably the easiest way to see all the fall colours. Just a few of one of the best hikes on the town embrace the Jackson Scenic Loop, Double Head Path, and Winniweta Falls Path.
However climbing isn’t the one sort of fall enjoyable in Jackson! As a matter of reality, this small city has its personal autumn custom: The Return of the Pumpkin Folks. Dozens of pumpkin-headed characters are unfold all through the city. The most effective methods to recollect this distinctive custom is by taking photos with the quirky characters.
Franconia Notch State Park
To date on this listing of one of the best locations for fall in New Hampshire, I’ve listed quite a lot of small cities. And whereas these little cities are some folks’s dream fall holidays, others choose extra nature-focused journeys. If the latter sounds such as you, I extremely suggest visiting Franconia Notch State Park.
Franconia Notch State Park is named one of the vital picturesque elements of New Hampshire – and it solely will get higher within the fall. With towering mountain peaks, glimmering lakes, and fiery leaves, it seems to be prefer it was plucked straight out of a fairytale!
This lovely state park presents a couple of alternative ways to see the wonderful pure panorama. The best manner is to easily drive on Interstate 93, which is the mountain move that winds by the park. In case you’d choose to be just a little extra energetic, there are numerous hikes which can be well worth the effort, together with Artist’s Bluff Path, the Flume Gorge Path, and Lonesome Lake Path.
However if you happen to’d prefer to catch a special view of the autumn leaves, you’ll be able to take to the sky! Hop aboard the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway and see the beautiful colours of autumn from above.
Laconia
There’s one primary motive that the little city of Laconia made it onto this listing: the New Hampshire Pumpkin Pageant. This improbable competition – previously referred to as the Laconia Pumpkin Pageant and the Keene Pumpkin Pageant – boasts a great deal of pumpkin-centric actions. However it’s most well-known for its THOUSANDS of pumpkins.
The New Hampshire Pumpkin Pageant beforehand snagged the world document for the best variety of lit jack-o-lanterns in a single place! Whereas it has misplaced the title a few instances to worthy opponents, this dedicated competition at all times appears to reclaim it. As of 2021, Nobody has managed to beat the New Hampshire Pumpkin Pageant’s 2013 document of a whopping 30,581 lit jack-o-lanterns.
In case you occur to be from a close-by space, you’ll be able to assist contribute to this world record-breaking quantity by bringing a pumpkin of your personal. If not, you’ll be able to take part within the competition’s many different actions.
Whereas at this superior competition, you’ll be able to carve a pumpkin, devour a scrumptious pumpkin pancake breakfast, and stroll by the pumpkin beer gardens. As for non-pumpkin associated actions, you’ll be able to take part in a 5k, take a journey on a zipline, and play a couple of enjoyable video games. And also you positively can’t overlook to take an image with the huge, 34-foot wall of jack-o-lanterns!
3-Day Fall Itinerary for New Hampshire
Day 1: The Kancamagus Freeway and North Conway
Begin in Lincoln and finish the night time in North Conway
Kick issues off with one of the vital iconic foliage drives in New England: the Kancamagus Freeway. This 34.5-mile route cuts by the White Mountain Nationwide Forest and is filled with scenic overlooks, quick hikes, and picture ops round each bend.
Morning:
- Seize breakfast at White Mountain Bagel Co. in Lincoln
- Begin the Kancamagus Freeway drive (Route 112)
- Cease at Hancock Overlook, Sabbaday Falls (a brief and straightforward waterfall hike), and Rocky Gorge
Afternoon:
- Arrive in North Conway
- Have lunch at Frontside Espresso Roasters or Delaney’s Gap within the Wall
- Discover the Conway Scenic Railroad depot and the charming city heart
- Non-compulsory: Take a journey on the Conway Scenic Railroad for classic views by the foliage
Night:
- Browse Zeb’s Normal Retailer for fall goodies
- Dinner at Moat Mountain Smokehouse
- In a single day at a neighborhood inn or B&B (Japanese Slope Inn, Journey Suites, or Buttonwood Inn are nice picks)
Day 2: Franconia Notch and Sugar Hill
Begin in North Conway and finish in Sugar Hill or Franconia
In the present day is all about absorbing massive mountain views and comfy small-town attraction. You’ll discover Franconia Notch State Park after which wind down in one among New Hampshire’s most picturesque cities.
Morning:
- Drive west towards Franconia Notch (about 1.5 hours)
- Cease at Echo Lake for mirrored fall reflections
- Trip the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway or hike Artist’s Bluff for panoramic views
Afternoon:
- Head to Sugar Hill, a peaceable city with views of the White Mountains
- Have lunch at Polly’s Pancake Parlor—sure, it’s well worth the wait
- Discover the backroads round Sugar Hill for foliage, farms, and lined bridges
Night:
- Watch sundown from Sundown Hill Highway
- Dinner at The Horse and Hound Inn or the restaurant at The Inn at Sundown Hill
- Keep in a single day at Sugar Hill Inn or one other native B&B with mountain views
Day 3: Coated Bridges and Lake Winnipesaukee
Begin in Sugar Hill or Franconia and finish close to Lake Winnipesaukee or the Lakes Area
Spherical out your journey with charming lined bridges, a traditional lake city, and perhaps even a fall foliage cruise.
Morning:
- Drive south by Tub and Haverhill
- Go to The Tub Coated Bridge and Swiftwater Bridge
- Cease at Harman’s Cheese & Nation Retailer to fill up on picnic provides
Afternoon:
- Head to Lake Winnipesaukee (about 1.5 to 2 hours)
- Discover the city of Meredith
- Get pleasure from lunch at Lago or City Docks on the water
- Non-compulsory: Take a fall foliage boat cruise with Mount Washington Cruises
Night:
- Cease by Moulton Farm for cider donuts and pumpkins
- Go to Canterbury Shaker Village you probably have time
- Finish with dinner at The Frequent Man in Ashland or Harmony
The place to Keep
Evening 1: North Conway – Japanese Slope Inn, Journey Suites, or Buttonwood Inn
Evening 2: Sugar Hill – Sugar Hill Inn or Sundown Hill Home
Evening 3: Meredith or the Lakes Area – Mill Falls on the Lake, or head south towards Portsmouth for a coastal finale
Non-compulsory Add-Ons
Cease at native sugarhouses for maple sweet and syrup tastings
Hike the Flume Gorge for waterfalls and foliage (Franconia)
Go to Jackson for the lined bridge and Pumpkin Folks Pageant (October)
Decide your personal apples at Windy Ridge Orchard or Mack’s Apples
When Is Peak Fall in New Hampshire?
Peak foliage in New Hampshire often happens between late September and mid-October, relying on elevation. Northern areas just like the White Mountains typically change first, adopted by southern elements of the state. Examine foliage maps or use my New England fall by date information for extra correct timing.
Fall in New Hampshire is extra than simply lovely — it’s a full sensory expertise. From crisp mountain air to charming cities bursting with shade, there’s one thing right here for each sort of traveler. I hope this listing helps you propose the proper autumn escape.
🍁 Planning a full New England journey? Don’t miss my prime information to New England right here!
Extra to learn:
So there you will have it! One of the best locations for fall in New Hampshire. I hope this info helps you propose essentially the most wonderful autumn journey!
